Deciding Factors on Equine Competitions Are you in a position to decide which discipline is right for you, in the field of Equine competition? Western Pleasure horses and Hunt Seat horses are the same usually in primary care ,but their competitions and how they are judged are very different. Let’s see if we can define which would be better for your interest. Western Pleasure horses use some of the same movements as the Hunt Seat horse but are usually preferred to be slower in speed, and a more collective flowing movement, using a flat footed four beat walk, a slow two beat diagonal gait with a level topline when they jog, and their lope is fluid relaxed, smooth natural stride considerably slower than the Hunt Seat horse.
The Hunt Seat horse should convey a long flowing, ground covering stride with some degree of impulsion. For their trot, it is a two beat gait that stays collected, ground covering, and engages the hindquarters causing a longer sweeping stride, with front legs sweeping out in front of the nose. Their canter is a natural three beat gait movement similar to the ‘western lope” but more fluid ground covering and with more speed while maintaining a level topline and a sweeping balanced motion. They are to be extremely cleaned and well groomed. They are expected to be whisker free and no unnecessary hair is to be apparent. They usually both have a clipped path behind their ears called a “bridle path” their ears are to be shaven on the insides and smooth clean legs. Both disciplines are allowed a possible tail extension or forelock extension if needed to improve the overall picture of the finished groomed horse. The Western Pleasure horse’s mane for competition is usually banded, which means the mane is short and extremely small rubber bands ponytail small amounts of hair to give a clean concise look. The Hunt Seat horse’s mane is usually longer because they are usually braided and looped under and banded in place. The attire worn by the exhibitors is very different. The Western Pleasure exhibitor initially starts out primarily with a western state of mind, focusing on a western style cowboy hat, long sleeve shirts, belts with flashy buckles, cowboy boots, and chaps, or chinks. The styles have evolved to include colored felts in the hats, instead of straws. The shirts now are popping with bright eye catching colors with designs in sequins and rhinestones, big cuffs and collars, flashy jewelry, like chokers and petite non bouncing earrings. Matching pants, usually a polyester now instead of colored or blue jeans. Loud colored chaps that are colored to match outfit and boots, and hats, and even the horse’s saddle pads. Boots can be bought custom to your individual preferences, and even boots that can be dyed to match your own outfits. They come in pointed, rounded or square toes. They are made from basic cow hides to exotic hides, such as ostrich, python, and crocodile, just to name a few. The western saddles and bridles now are in a few different colors or shades like, black, brown, tans and are loaded with either nickel or german silver. Seems, the brighter, the better from clothes to the saddle for the western riders. The Hunt Seat rider’s, on the other hand, has not changed very much over the years. They have a helmet which is hard because this discipline derives from fox hunting, which they needed head protection in case of an accidental fall. They are usually black velvet on the exterior with a chin strap and a small sun visor. They wear either a sleeveless shirt or a short sleeve or long sleeve shirt, tucked in, and a choker which is made to match their shirts that have a choker pin, pinned on the center. They also wear a fitted jacket like a blazer which usually comes in green, or navy. Their pants are called ‘jodhpurs’ they are a snug fit usually out of spandex with the inner knees padded. Their boots can be varied. They have what’s called paddock boots to knee high field boots. They do not wear regular western chaps with fringe they have what’s called a “half chap” that the exhibitors wear during practice. They are not permitted into the show arena during a judged class.

Classes that are offered for the two disciplines also vary. The western horse can compete in other western classes besides pleasure, such as; halter (conformation) trail (obstacles) ranch pleasure (range work). The Hunt Seat horse can show in Equitation, Hunter Hack, Grand Prix jumping, cross country, fox hunting, racing. The price ranges for decently trained horses can vary depending on economic status. Range from $1000-$50,000 depending on your level of competition. Now you have had a rough draft on the differences between just two disciplines of competition, maybe you can make a well informed decision on your choice of competition. Their general care is the same, with the vet, farrier. They both require the same basic necessities as food, water, shelter, and practical daily care.